site.btaCC-DB’s Vassilev Skeptical about Third Government-Forming Mandate

Assen Vassilev of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) was skeptical about the chances of a third government-forming mandate to actually produce a Cabinet. He was speaking on the sidelines of Parliament on Wednesday, commenting on the National Assembly’s refusal to back Prime Minister-designate Rosen Zhelyazkov earlier the same day and the hope of some parties that the procedure will come to a third mandate.

The possibility of a third mandate remains highly unlikely, and it would be wrong anyway for "a third, fourth, fifth, or sixth party with 30 MPs" to form a cabinet, Vassilev added.

He also spoke of the division in the Bulgarian society concerning the nation's future direction.

"I believe we should consider that, for the first time, we witnessed a significant split in the MRF group during such an important vote."

In recent years, Bulgaria has been held back by the actions of two influential figures, one hindered by split loyalties and the other driven by political ambitions. "We have noticed that the one with the ambitions is beginning to fail in his pursuits," Vassilev said. "Pursuing anti-corruption policies similar to those in European nations is essential for achieving higher income levels in our country, and this is clearly the direction our citizens want to follow," he said.

Vassilev discussed the sixth consecutive snap elections, expressing his belief that Bulgarian politics are at a standstill. He suggested that MRF co-chair Peevski dominates the justice system, leaving GERB leader Borissov reliant on Peevski's sway over the prosecution service and the judiciary.

On Monday, Zhelyazkov received an exploratory mandate from President Radev. Zhelyazkov accepted the mandate and presented the structure, lineup and priorities of the party's proposal for cabinet.

That same day, Radev issued a Decree, sending the proposed cabinet to parliament.